A former Rochester couple now living in New Jersey is facing federal charges in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud the Department of Veterans Affairs out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that 53-year-old Michael Joyce and 33-year-old Sarah Joyce, also known as Sarah Shultis, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges including theft of government funds, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. If convicted, they each face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to prosecutors, Michael Joyce filed disability claims with the VA in 2016, reporting conditions such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and back problems. After several evaluations, he was granted a 100% disability rating for PTSD, along with additional ratings for the other conditions. In 2018, Joyce applied for and received permanent and total disability status, claiming his health had worsened and that he was largely housebound.
The indictment alleges that in 2017, the couple applied for Sarah Joyce to receive caregiver payments from the VA, stating that Michael required help with everyday tasks such as feeding, bathing, and dressing. She was approved and has since received more than $250,000 from the program.
However, investigators say surveillance showed Michael Joyce performing various physical tasks without assistance, including driving, snow shoveling, and climbing a ladder. Interviews with former military colleagues also reportedly contradicted his claims of combat-related trauma, suggesting he was never deployed to a combat zone.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General and the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Inspector General.
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